Prepayment vending apparatus.



Nu. 671,167. `PMM-15ml Apr. 2,-|9o|. F. F..- MORGAN.

PHEPAYMENT VENDlNG APPARATUS.

3 Sheets-Sheet l.

(No Modelu.)

No. s7|,|s7. Patented Apr. 2, 190|.V

F. E. MORGAN. PREPAYHENT VENDING APPARATUS.

(Application led Aug. 7, 1900.) (N0 HOWELL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

PREPAYMENT VENDING APPARATUS.

(Applicashun mea Aug. '7, 1900.1,

-3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

Ntra

trier..

FRANK E. MORGAN, OF YONKERS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO D. H. BURRELL AND COMPANY, OF LITTLE FALLS, NEVYORK.

PREPAYM ENT VENDING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 671,167', dated April 2, 190,1. Application filed August 7, 1900. Serial No. 26,163. (No model.)

To all, wle/m t may con/cera. ment apparatus of diiferent organization or Be it known that I, FRANK E. MORGAN, a construction. citizen of the United States, and a resident Another object of my present invention is of Yonkers, in the county of VVestchester and to construct`the mechanism whereby the pur- State of New York, have invented a new and chasing rotation is arrested in such manner 55 useful Improvement in Prepayment Vending that the point at which the rotation is stopped Apparatus, of which the following is a specican be more closely regulated than heretoflcation. 1 fore, the possible regulation being so close This invention relates to a prepayment that in a gas-meter one cubic foot of gas can Io vending apparatus which is mainly designed be taken as the unit of adjustment. This 6o for use in connection with meters-for inenables the apparatus to be adjusted for destance, gas-meters-and relates more particulivering the exact quantity of gas called for larly to a prepayment apparatus having the by a certain coin, leaving out of consideramain features of the apparatus which is detion fractions of a foot, and this is rendered 1:5 scribed and shown in Letters Patent No. possible although the coin may be large and 637,401, granted November`2l, 1899, to Fred call for a large number of cubic feet. eric A. Lane and myself. The apparatus of Other objects of myinvention are to render this patent comprises a stationary or non-rothe mechanism quick, sensitive, and reliable tary coin-holder into which the coin is inin its operation, easy to assemble and sepazo serted by the purchaser; ahand-actuated purrate, while protected against tampering, and 7o chasing-shaft which is unlocked by a` lever, simple and economical in construction. against which the coin acts upon inserting In the accompanying drawings, consisting the latter,whereupon the purchasing rotation of three sheets, Figure 1 is a front elevation, can be performed bythe hand-actuated shaft; on a reduced scale, of the upper part of a gasa movable lowerjawin the coin-holder, which meter which is provided with my improved 75 is released for discharging the coin from the prepayment vending apparatus. Fig. 2 is a holder when the purchasing rotation has been top plan view of the same with the top plate completed, whereby the unlocking-lever is ofthe meter removed. Fig. 3 is an end elereleased aud caused to lock the shaft against vation of the same, showing the cover of the 3o further rotation in the purchasing direction, coin-slot open and the parts in the position 8o while the shaft is free to be returned to the for inserting the coin. Fig. 4 is a similar starting-point; an intermediate purchasing view showing the cover closed A Fig. 5 is ashaft to which only the purchasing rotation vertical longitudinal central section of the is transmitted from the hand-actuated shaft; vending apparatus with the coin-receptacle a metenactuated shaft, and a rotatable disk or till broken olf. Fig. 6 is a central hori- 85 which actuates the valve and which is conzontal section showing the parts of the vendnected both with the intermediate shaft and ing apparatus in the position for inserting the meter-actuated shaft. by gears in such the coin and also showing the valve mechaninanner that this disk receives the purohasism. Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of the o ing movement, which opens the gas-valve, coin-holder located in the front portion of 9o from the intermediate purchasing-shaft, and the casing and viewed from the center of the the return movement, which closes the valve latter in line 7 7, Fig. G. Fig. 8 is a vertical when the purchased volume of gas has been section through the valve-actuating disk and delivered, from the meter-actuated shaft. connecting parts in line S 8, Fig; 6. Fig. 9 is My present invention has an object to ima vertical cross-section through the casing 95 prove this apparatus in several respects, and and hand-actuated shaft in line 9 9, Fig. 5, while most of the features of my present inlooking forwardly and showing the adjustvention are mainly designed to improve this ing mechanism arranged on the rearside of the particular style of apparatus most of these front head of the casing, this figure showing 5o features are also capable of use in prepaythe parts in the position in which the cover roo of the coin-slot is open for inserting the coin. Fig. 10 is a similar view showing the parts in the 'position in which the cover of the coin-slot is closed after the coin has been inserted. Fig. 11 is a cross-section through the coin-receptacle looking forwardly, the section being taken in line 11 11, Fig. 6, and showing the parts in the position in which the coin is in place in the coin-holder. Fig. 12 is a similar View, showing the parts in the position in which the coin is ejected from the coin-holder. Fig. 13 is a cross-section in line 13 13, Fig. 5, looking rearwardly and showing the front side of the purchasing-disk and parts arranged in front of the same. Fig. 14 is a similar sectional view in line 14 14, Fig. 5, showing the front side of the purchasing-disk and the driving-disk of the same.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several figures.

A represents the casin g of an ordinary gasmeter, provided in its upper portion with the usual chamber, which contains the dag-arms a and rods ct', the vertical shaft a2, operated thereby, and the registering mechanism a3. The latteris operated from the vertical shaft a2 by the usual forwardly-extending horizontal shaft a4, which is driven from the vertical shaft a2 by a worm a5 and gear-wheel a6.

a7 represents a horizontal shaft which is arranged at right angles to the shaft a4 and connects with the shaft a8 of the prepayment apparatus. The shaft a7 is rotated from the registering mechanism or any other moving part of the meter by any suitable means. As shown in the drawings, Figs. 2 and 5, this Shaft a7 is rotated from the horizontal shaft t4 by an upright counter-shaft a9, which is geared with the shaft a4 by a worm al@ on theA latter and a horizontal gear-wheel au on the shaft a9 and with the shaft ci by a worm-wheel 0,12 on the counter-shaft 01,9 and a verti cal gear- Wheel a on the shaft a7.

The horizontal shaft 0l,T and vertical counter-shaft a9 are mounted and journaled in a frame a, which is secured'to the bottom plate or iioor of the upper chamber or attic of the .meter by a screw w15.

B represents a coupling-bar which connects the shaft a7 with the shaft a8 of the prepayment apparatus. This bar is provided adjacent to the shaft a7 with a socket, which receives the end of this shaft loosely, and with a diametrical slot b, which receives coup` ling-pins b', projecting from diametrically opposite sides of the shaft a7, near the end thereof. The bar B is provided near its oparranged at right angles to the slot b. These coupling-pins entera slot b3, formed diametrically in the end of the shaft a8 of the prepayment apparatus. This shaft is provided in its end with a socket which receives the end of the coupling-bar B loosely. The ends of the coupling-bar and of the shaft a7 which enter these sockets are preferably conical to prevent binding. This universal coupling or joint connecting the shafts a7 and as permits of considerable variation in the position of these shafts vertically and horizontally and greatly sim pliiies the operation of connecting the prepayment device with the meter. This is advantageous in the case of meters which are already in use and where the work is required to be done at the place of use, where the conveniences for doing such work accurately are not often available. By simply securing the worm am upon the shaft a4, then securing the frame tuin position so that the wheel a meshes Withsaid Worm, securing the prepayment apparatus to the meter in approximate alinement with the shaft a7, and connecting the respective shafts by the universal coupling the parts are properly connected Without requiring any nicety or accuracy of alinement and operate freely and without binding.

C represents the back plate of the casing of the prepayment apparatus. This plate is provided with a rearWardly-projecting marginal fiange c, by which it bears against the upright side wall c' of the meter-casing. The shaft a8 of the prepayment apparatus extends rearwardly through this back plate and is journaled in a rearwardly-projecting stuffingbox c2, formed on or secured to the same, Figs. 5 and 6. This stuffingbox extends through the upright Wall c of the meter. For the purpose of attaching the prepayment apparatus to the meter an opening is cut in the wall of the meter to receive the stuffing-box. The latter is then inserted and secured by a screw-nut c3, which is applied to the externally-threaded stuffing-box on the inner side of the meter. A gas-tight joint is made arou ud the stuffing-box by packing-washers c4 c5, interposed between the nut and the wall of the meter.

The back plate C of the casing is permanently secured to the wall of the meter by soldering or other suitable means. The stuffing-box prevents leakage of gas from the attic of the meter along the shaft into the prepayment apparatus, and the packing around the stuffing-box prevents leakage outside of the stuffing-box.

D represents the cylindrical body ofthe casing of the prepayment apparatus, and E the front plate or head thereof.

F represents the coin-receptacle or Jtill, which is attached to the lower portion of the body D of the casing on one side by a hinge fand on the other side by a hasp and staple ff2 and lock f3. posite end with coupling-pins b2, which are The front head E is detachably secured to the body D of the casing by any suitable means in such manner that the head can only be detached after unlocking the coin-receptacle. The means which may be employed for this purpose may be those shown and described in said Letters Patent, consisting of pins e and slots e', Figs. 6, 9, and 10, and a lip e2 on the coin-receptacle, Fig. 5. The body of the casing is detachably connected with the IOO IIO

back plate in such manner that the body can only be detached from the back plate after unlocking the coin-receptacle. This permits the removal of the casing and the mechanism contained therein from the back plate only by an authorized person. For that purpose the following parts (shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 11) are employed:

d is an annular flange formed on the front side ofthe back plate and surroundingthe rear portion of the body D of the casing, which is slipped into this liange.

d is an arm which is permanently secured at its rear end to the top of the back plate and which extends forwardly over the body of the casing and terminates near the front head thereof.

d2 is a screw which secures .the front portion of the body D to the front end of this arm and which is inserted upwardly from the interior of the casing, so that the head is located within the latter and is not accessible when the front head and-coin-receptacle are in place.

d3 is a horizontal screw which securesthe rear end of the body D to the lower portion of the back plate. This screw is arranged in rear of the coin-receptacle and passes through an ear d, secured to the lower portion of the body D. This screw is covered by the coinreceptacle, which prevents the application of aiscrew-driver to the head of this screw. The latter can be furtherguarded against tampering by a tubular Washer d5, which surrounds the head of the screw. Upon unlocking the coin-receptacle and swinging the latter down on its hinge the lower screw d3 is exposed and upon removing the front head the upper screw d2 is also exposed. These screws can now be withdrawn if it is desired to remove the prepayment apparatus.

As in the apparatus of my said patent the purchasing movement is applied by the purchaser, after inserting the coin, to a hand-actuated shaft, which is capable of rotary movement either in the purchasing or in the return direction. This purchasing movement is transmitted to the valve-actuating disk by an intermediate shaft, which is capable of r0- tary movement only in the purchasing direction, while the return movement is imparted to the valve-actuating disk by gearing connecting it with the meter-actuated shaft.

For convenience in assembling and separating the parts the hand-actuated shaft is made in two parts, the front part G of which is journaled in the front head and provided at its front end with a knob or handle g.

g represents the coin-slot, which is formed vertically in the front head on one side of the shaft G.

g2 represents the pivoted cover for the coinslot, which is arranged in a well-known manner on the front side of the front head and provided at its upper end with a well-known locking pin g3, which projects rearwardly through a slot g4 in the fronthead, Figs. 3 to 5 and 9 to l2.

The device for adjusting the apparatus to the price of gas is arranged on the rear side of the front head. It is most clearly represented in Figs. 5 and 6 and 9 to 12, and is constructed as follows:

H represents a graduated or dial disk which is arranged against the rear side of the front head and secured to-the hand-actuated shaft G, so as to turn therewith. This disk is provided on its rear side with a stop h, which rests against a stop It ou the front head when the disk is in its initial position, in which the coin-slot 712 of the disk coincides with the coin-slot g of the front head. This disk is provided wit-h a circular graduation indicating the number of 'feet in coarse or large units-for instance, a unit of twenty feet, as shown. 713 is a toothed wheel or disk which is arranged against the inner side of this dialdisk and which l call the throw-off wheel or disk, because it controls primarily the position of the throw-off pin by which the coin-ejector is actuated which throws the coin from the coin holder. This toothed throw-off wheel is circumferentially adjustable on the disk H and shaft G and is coupled or interlocked with the disk by any suitable meansfor instance, a projection 71,4 on the disk entering one of the tooth-spaces in the throw-off wheel. The teeth of the latter are made of such size circumferentially that each tooth corresponds with ten feet of gas on the dial-disk H, so that by shifting the throw-olf wheel one tooth or space the throw-off pin is shifted through a distance which produces a change of ten feet in the volume of gas which is delivered.

h5 is a toothed vernier plate or disk which rests against the inner side of the throw-off wheel and is circumferentially adjustable on the latter and the shaft G. This verniercarries the throw-0H pin it and is interlocked with the throw-off wheel by any suitable means--for instance, by a pin if on the wheel engaging in one of the spaces of the toothed Vernier segment hs. This pin h7 may be formed on a separate plate which is riveted to the throw-off wheel on the rear side thereof, as shown in the drawings, particularly iu Fig. 5. The teeth of the Vernier are made of such size circumferentially that each tooth represents a certain odd number of feet on the disk H, either three, seven, nine, or eleven feet. This enables the Vernier to furnish the adjustment for any desired odd number of feet, as the multiples of these numerals furnish all the digits.

For illustration we will assume that each tooth on the Vernier represents eleven feet of gas, each tooth on the throw-off wheel teu feet, and that the apparatus is to be adjusted for delivering one hundred and eighty-three feet for a quarter of a dollar. In that case the Vernier is shifted three teeth, represent- IIO and the throw-off wheel fifteen teeth to adjust the apparatus to one hundred and eightythree feet. The Vernier and the throw-off wheel are clamped against the dial-disk H and held in engagement with their respective looking projections by a screw-nut Zt, which is applied to the inner threaded portion of the shaft Gand bears against the Vernier. When the throw-off pin is to be adjusted, the front head is removed with the adjusting device from the casing D. The nut 71,9 is then released, whereupon the parts can be separated by a movement lengthwise of the shaft. By

this means the apparatus is reduced to a single foot, which is a much smaller unit than could formerly be obtained in apparatus designed to receive a coin as large as a quarter of a dollar.

The dial-disk H is provided in its peripheral face with the usual notch hm, in which the locking-pin g3 of the cover g2 engages when the cover is opened for exposing the coin-slot, thereby preventing the hand-shaft from being turned before the cover is again closed.

I I represent two clamping pawls or cams which are pivoted to the rear or inner side of the front head of the casing and engage in opposite directions with the peripheral face of the dial-disk H. The pawl I holds the disk H against the purchasing rotation and the awlI holds it against the return rotation. The pawl I will therefore be called the purchasing-pawl and the pawl I' the return-pawl. The face of the dial-disk H is not provided with ratchet-teeth, but is simply knurled or roughened, and the pawls have long slightly-convex faces, which are similarly knurled or roughened. This enables the pawls to clamp the disk instantly and at any point and to release the disk instantly, thereby avoiding the dead movement which results when ratchet-teeth and pawls are employed and which represents usually a number of feet of gas, rendering the apparatus inaccurate in delivery to that extent. The bearing-faces of the pawls are made so long as to bridge the locking-notch hw in the periphery of the dial-disk H. The purchasing-pawl I is pressed toward the disk by a spring t and the return-pawl by a spring t".

K represents the rear or inner portion of the hand-actuated shaft. This rear portion is provided in its front end with a socket, in

which the rear end of the front part G of the shaft engages. The two parts G and K of the shaft are coupled by pins k', secured to the front part G and entering a transverse slot k2 in the rear part K, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. This enables the front part to be removed with the front` head .for adjusting the apparatus or other purposes and to be quickly replaced for use.

L is a driving-disk secured to or formed on the rear end "of the rear portion K of the hand-shaft, Figs. 5, 6, 13, and 14. This driving-disk is arranged on the front side of a disk M, which is somewhat larger in diameter than the driving-disk. The disk M is rotatahle only in the purchasing direction and will therefore be called the purchasingdisk. The latter is arranged on the front side of a transverse partition N, which is secured in the body D of the casing somewhat nearer the rear end than the front. The purchasing-disk M is journaled in this partition by its hub m, which turns in a central hub n, formed on the partition. The purchasing rotation is transmitted from the driving-disk L to -the purchasing-disk M by one or more pawls Z, which are pi voted to the purchasingdisk on the front side thereof, Fig. 14E, and engage with the peripheral face of the driving-disk. These pawls allow the latter to perform its return rotation without affecting the purchasing-disk.

fm is a pawl which is pivoted on the front side of the partition N and which engages the peripheral face of the purchasing-disk in such direction that it prevents the latter from rotating in the purchasing direction unless this pawl is released. The faces of the disks L and M are knurled or roughened, as described, instead of being provided with ratchet-teeth, and their pawls are correspondingly constructed; but while I prefer this construction in order to secure the greatest possible precision of action I do not wish to eX- clude ratchet-teeth and ordinary pawls, as they can be used when their dead movement is not objectionable.

Z is a circular hub formed on the front side of the driving-disk L, Figs. 5, 6, 13, and 14. Z2 is an elastic or flexible Washer, preferably of spring metal, which surrounds this hub and bears with its marginal portion against studs Z3, projecting forwardly from the front side of the purchasing-disk. This washer is pressed rearwardly against these studs by spring-arms Z4, which have bearing-pins Z5 at their inner ends and are secured with their outer ends to a bridge-piece Z6. The latter is supported from the front side of the partition N by posts Z7 and is provided with openings1 through which the bearing-pins Z5 project rearwardly to the washer Z2. The bridgepiece Z6 is provided at its middle with an opening through which the shaft K passes. The

middle portion of the bridge-.piece bears against the front side of the hub Z by one or more interposed washers Z8. These devices IOO IIO

apply a frictional resistance to the drivingdisk M, thereby pre\.'enting dead movement or play of` these parts, which would result in a lack of accuracy in the action of the apparatus.

O represents the valve actuating disk, which is arranged in the rear portion of the casing between the partition N and the back plate C and in line with the purchasing-disk M. The valve-actuating disk is provided on its front side with a hub 0, which bears against the hub of the partition N.

P represents the purchasing-shaft, which is interposed between the hand-actualrd shaft and the meter-actuated shaft and which is roial able only in the purchasing direction from the hand-actuated shaft. This purchasingshaftis arranged with its front end centrally in the purchasing-disk and is coupled with the h ub of the latter by coupling-pinsp, engaging in adiametrical slot p' in the hub of the purchasing-disk, Figs 5 and 6. The latter is held on the front end of the purchasing-shaft by a screw p2. The purchasing-shaft extends rearwardly through the hub of the valveactuating disk and into a socket in the front end of the meter-actuated shaft as for holding the shafts in alinement.

Q is a gearwheel which is secured to the rear end of the purchasing-shaft P in rear of the valve-actuating disk O.

Q' is an internally-toothed gear-wheel secured to the front end of the meter-actuated shaft d8.

Q2 is an idler journaled on the rear side of the valve-actuating .disk and meshing with the gear-wl'leel Q and internal gear Q', as described and shown in my said Letters Patent. The valve-actuating disk operates as described in said Letters Patentin opening and closing the valve and is provided for that purpose with an opening q, in which the arm q' ofthe valve-spindle qzengages, Figs. 6 and S.

Q3, Figs. 5 and 6, indicates yielding frictionarins, which are secured to the rear side ofthe partition N and which bear against the front side of the valve-actuating disk for preventing dead movement of the latter. The bearing in which the valve-disk O turns is rather short for the sake of compactness, and the disk is therefore liable to wabble. The springarms (f, which bear against the front side of the disk, steady the latterand compel it to run true.

The coin which is inserted through the coinslotin the front head enters a coin-holder which is most clearly shown in Figs, 8, 11, 12, and 13 and which is constructed as follows: rlhis coinholder is composed of a lower fixed jaw R and an upper tilting jaw R and is provided between these jaws with an ejecting-lever 112,

by which the coin R3 is ejected from the holder when the hand-actuated shaft has completed the purchasing rotation. Thejaws of the coinholder and the ejecting-lever are supported from a vertical plate r, which is arranged lengthwise in -the front portion of the casing near one side thereof and secured at its rear end to the partition N and at its from end by a horizontal stud r' to the side of the bodyD of the casing. The fixed jaw R of the coinholder is secured to the inner ends of horizon'ral arms r2, which project inwardly from the lower end of the plate r. The fixed jaw Ris secured with its rear portion in these two arms, the rear portion of the jaw having the form of a round stem, as shown in Figs.v 6, 7, and 13, and the jaw projecting forwardly beyond the front arm r2, the lower jaw is angular in form, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, having a lower horizontal portion on which the coin rests and an upper vertical portion which rises froin the horizontal portion and which confines the coin against movement outwardly or toward the adjacent side of the casing. The upperjaw R is grooved on its under side, so as to confine the coin laterallyin both directions. This jaw is secured to a horizontal shaft r3, which is arranged longitudinally between the jaw and the adjacent side of the casing. This shaftis journaled in two lugs r4, which project inwardly The hearing-face of y from the upper portion of the vertical plate i r. The upper jaw rocks or tilts vertically with its shaft r3 and stands normally when no coin is present in the holder in a slightly-inclined position, as shown in Fig. 12. The jaw is supported in this position by a lever 15, which bears with its lower arm r6 against the plate r, as shown in Fig. 13, in which position the jaw is held yieldingly by a spring rs, which is coiled around the shaft and fastened to the same and to the support in which the shaftis journaled. The upperarm rof` the 1ever 15 bears against the detent-pawl or cam m' of the p u rchasing-disk M,which pawl or cam is provided with a pin r9 for engagement with the upper arm T7 of the lever T5. The pawl m' is yieldingly held in engagement with the purchasing-disk M by a spring m2, secured to the rear side of the partition N and projecting through a slot m3 in the partition and into engagement with the pawl fm', as shown in Figs. 7and 13. rPhe shaft r3 of the upper jaw is provided at its front end with an arm T10, which in the normal inclined position of the jaw bears against a pin r11 on the return pawl or cam I of the graduated disk H and holds the pawl l out of engagement with the disk in the normal position of the upper jaw, as represented in Fig. 12. By inserting the coin between the two jaws the upper jaw is wedged TOO IYO

upwardly and raised to the horizontal posi- -the lower jaw, so that an inward movement of this head will press the coin inwardly and remove it from thelower jaw, as shown in Fig. I2. The lower arm T14 of the ejecting-lever extends from the shaft T12 outwardly and inwardly and then upwardly on the inner side of the lower jaw into the path of the throwoif pin h6 on the Vernier-disk. The lower arm of the ejecting-lever is provided at itsend with an angular head T15 for engagement with the throw-O pin. When the purchasing rotation of the hand-actuated shaft has been completed, the throw-olf pin engages with the ejecting-lever and depresses the lower arm of the same, thereby swinging the head T13 of the lever inwardly, which movement of this head ejects the coin from the holder and allows the coin to drop into the receiver below. The removal of the coin from the holder allows the upper jaw to descend until its movement is stopped by the lower arm T6 of the lever T5 at the rear end of the shaft of the upper jaw striking against the plate T, as shown in Fig. 13. This turning movement of the shaft of the upper jaw releases the detent-pawl or cam m and allows the latter to engage again with the purchasing-disk M, thereby preventing further rotation of the latter in the purchasing direction. The same movement of the shaft of the upper jaw also raises the returnpawl I from the graduated disk H and frees the latter for the return movement. The upper jaw is provided on its upper side and at its front end with an inclined nose T16, which engages the purchasing-pawl I of the graduated or dial disk H. In the normal tilted position of the upper jaw this nose allows the purchasingpawl I to engage with the dialdisk H, as shown in Fig. l2, and the disk is thereby prevented from being rotated in the purchasing direction until a coin is inserted and the Lipper jaw is thereby raised. The upward Inovement of the upper jaw produced by the insertion of the coin raises the purchasing-pawl I out of engagement with' the disk H by the nose T16 of the jaw engaging against the pin T17 of the pawl, and the disk is now free for the purchasing movement. The same movement'of the upper jaw causes the engagement of the return-pawl I with lthe disk, whereby backward movement of the disk is prevented when it is released for the purchasing movement.

In order to insure the complete insertion of the coin between the jaws of the coin-holder, the movable cover g2 of the casing is provided on its inner edge with an incline g5, which engages the coin as the cover is closed and presses the coin backwardly or into the coinholder, and the dial-disk I-I is also provided with an incline or cam T18, which engages the coin after the cover has been closed and presses the coin still farther back into the coinsholder. 'Fliese two cams are most clearly shown in Fig. 6, and the cam T1? is also shown in Figs. 9 a'nd l2.

The detent-pawl or cam Tn' of the purchasing-disk M operates in the same direction in which the purchasing-pawl I of the dial-d isk H operates-that is'to say, both of these pawls or cams prevent rotation of the disk in the pu rchasing direction. As the shaftG to which the dial-disk H is secured is coupled with the purchasing-disk M by the intermediate parts in such manner that both of these disks are compelled to move together in the purchasing direction, the purchasing-pawl I of the dialdisk H can be omitted,since the pa wl m ol' the purchasing-disk M prevents rotation of the dial-disk with the purchasing-disk M in the purchasing direction. It will thus be seen that the movable jaw of the coin-holder performs the function of causing the locking and releasing of the purchasing-disk M and the hand-ac tuated shaft. The purchasing-disk M is directly released when the coin is inserted by releasing the pawl or cam m', and the hand-actuated shai't is indirectly released by this releasing of the pu rchasing-disk unless the purchasing-pawl I is employed in connection with the dial-disk H, in which case the hand-actuated shaft is also directly released; but, as stated above, this is not necessary.

The valve mechanism is connected with the body D of the casing on one side thereof where the horizontal val ve-spind le q2 passes through the same and is constructed as follows:

S, Fig. 6, is a stuffing-box which is secured to the side of the body D of the casing and in which the valve-spindle q2 turns. The valvespindle is composed of two separate parts-- the part q2, already mentioned, which is connected with the casing D of the prepayment apparatus, and a part g4, which is connected with the valve and valve-casing and which is separable from the part q2. The two parts are provided at their adjacent ends with an interlocking tenon and groove g5 Q6, by which the rotary movement of the part q2 is transmitted to the part q1. The part q2 ofthe spindle is provided with a collar s, which rests against the bottom of the stuihng-box S and is packed gas-tight by a packing s and gland s2, by which parts the spindle q2 is also held against longitudinal movement.

T, Figs. 2, 3,and 6,represents the valve-casing,provided with a partition t, containing the valve-seat, an inlet-nipple t on one side of the partition, and an outlet-nipple t2 on the other side, which latter nipple is connected bya U-piece t3 with the inlet-pipe t1 of the meter.

i5 is the head of the valve-casing which is IOO IIO

arranged nearest the prepayment apparatus and provided with a stufng-box t6, in which the part q`l of the valve-spindle is journaled. This part q of the valvespindle is provided atits inner end with asteep-screw t7, by which the valve t8 is actuated. This screw engages in a screw-nut t9, secured to the valve in any suitable manner-for instance, as shown in Fig. 6, by a collar 1510 and pins t, passing through the collar and the nut and into the the body of the valve. The valve is guided and held against turning by rods i512, secured to the head 155 of the valve-casing and entering openings in the collar 1510. The part Q4 of the valve-spindle is provided with a collar Z13 and the stuffing-box t with a packing t and gland 1515, similar to the corresponding parts of the stuffing-box S. The end of the stuffing-box t of the valve-casing is reduced and enters a recess in the end of the stuffing-box S for alining these parts, and the two stuffing-boxes are registered or prevented from turning on each other by suitable interlocking devices-for instance, as shown in Fig. 6, by a radial pin s3 on one stuffing-box entering .a recess in the end of the other. The outer end s4 of the stuffingbox S is enlarged and provided with an eX ternal screw-thread, to which a union-nut S5 is applied which bears against a collar on the end of the stufng-box t@ of the valve-casing. Suitable packing-washers are applied to the union-joint torender it gas-tight. By simply placing the valve-casing with its spindle and stuffing-box against the spindle and stufngbox of the prepayment apparatus and connecting the sti'ifiing-boxes by the union-joint the parts are securely connected,- so that the valve is operated from the prepayment apparatus. Leakage of gas along the valve-spindle is prevented by the stuffing-box of the valve-casing and in addition thereto by the stufiing-box of the casing of the prepayment apparatus and the inclosing union.

The union-nut is held against unscrewing by a hook-bolt u, which overlaps the nut, and is attached to the body D of the prepaymentcasing by a screw-nut u', applied to the threaded end of t-he bolt on the inner side of this casing. The union-nut cannot be unscrewed until the bolt is released, and the latter cannot be released by unauthorized persons.

Vthen the valve-casing is secured to the head by a screw-joint, as shown in Fig. G, the parts are preferably further secured by a screw u2, which passes through an ear a3 on the casing into an ear a4 on the head. These parts are arranged on the rear side of the valve casing, where the screw is rendered inaccessible by the side Wall of the meter.

Upon disconnecting the valve-casing from the casing of the prepaymentapparatus each of theseparts is separated from the other and each can be removed as an entirety upon disconnecting its fastenings Without disturbing the other part. rIhis enables repairs to be "made in the valve and casing or the valve and casing to be renewed without disturbing the prepayment apparatus and also permits the prepayment apparatus to be removed for repairs, alterations, or renewals without disturbing the valve-casing.

l. In a prepayment apparatus, the combi nation with a throw-ofi device which limit-s the purchasing movement, of a differential adjusting means for setting the throw-off device, substantially as set i'orth.

2. In a prepayment` apparatus, the combi nation with a throw-oif device which limits 'the purchasing movement, of a support. for the throw-ott device consisting of two members, each of which is separately adjustable, substantially as set forth.

3. `In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coinholder and a throw-off device which controls the discharge ofthecoin therefrom at the completion of the purchasing movement, of an adjustable support whereby the position of the throw-ofi? device is regulated7 said support consisting of two members, each of which is separately adjustable, whereby part of the required adj ustment can be Yfurnished by each member of said support, substantially as set forth.

4. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-holder and a throw-ott' device which controls the discharge of the coin therefrom at the completion of the purchas ing movement, of an adjustable support whereby the position of the throw-off device is regulated, said support consisting of two members, each of which is capable of rotary adjustment toward and from the startingpoint, substantially as set forth.

5. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination With a coin-holder and a throw-off device which controls the discharge ofthe coin therefrom at the completion of the purchasing movement, of an adjustable support whereby the position of the throw-off device is regn1ate l,said support consisting of a member capable of rotary adjustment, and a vernier whichis adjustably secured to said member and which supports the throw-off device, substantially as set foijth.

b'. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-holder and a throw-off device Whichcontrols the discharge of the coin therefrom at the completion of the purchasing movement, of a throw-otf disk capable of rotary adjustment, and a Vernier capable of rotary adjustment on the throw-off disk and carrying` the throw-off device, substantially as set forth.

7. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-holder and a throw-off de vice which controls the discharge of the coin therefrom at the completion of the purchasing movement, of a toothed throw-off disk capable of rotary adjustment, and a toothed IOO Vernier capable of rotary adjustment on said disk and carrying the throw-off device, suboff device, and means for holding the parts` in position when the locking-teeth are in engagement, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination with a coin-holder, a throw-off device which controls the discharge of the coin therefrom, and the actuatingshaft, of a supporting-disk secured to said shaft and provided with a locking-tooth, a toothed throw-off disk arranged loosely on said shaft and resting against said disk with its toothed face in engagement with said locking-tooth, a locking-tooth secured to said throw-off disk, a toothed vernier-disk which carries said throw-off device and which is arranged loosely on said shaft and rests against said throw-off disk with its toothed face in engagement with the locking-tooth 'l thereof, and a screw-nut applied to said shaft and holding the parts in engagement after adjustment, substantially as set forth.

10. In aprepayment apparatus, the combination with the casing and its detachable front plate, of a hand-actuated purchasingshaft mounted on said plate, a throw-oli' device which controls the discharge of the coin from the coin-holder, and an adjustable support for said throw-o device mounted on the rear side of said front plate and removable therewith from the casing, said support consisting of two members each of which is sep.- arately adjustable, substantially as set forth.

l1. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with the casing and its detachable front plate, of a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in either direction and composed of a frontsection which is mounted on said front plate and removable therewith, a rear section which is mounted in said casing and a separable coupling which connects both sections when said front plate is applied to said casing and compels the rear section to turn with the front section in either direction, and means whereby only the purchasing movement is transmitted from said rear section, substantially as set forth.

12. n a prepayment apparatus, the combination with the casing and its detachable front plate, of a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in either direction and composed of a front section which is mounted on said front plate and removable therewith, a rear section which is mounted in said casing, and

a projection and slot arranged in the adjacent ends of said sections, coupling the same and compelling the rear section to turn with the front section in either direction, and means for transmitting the purchasing movement only from said rear section, substantially as Set forth. l

13.. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with the casing and its detachable front plate, of a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in either direction and composed of a front section which is mounted on said front plate and removable therewith, a rear section which is mounted in said casing and a separable coupling which connects both sections, a throwoff device which controls the discharge of the coin from the coin-holder, and an adjustable support for said throw-off device arranged on the rear side of said front plate and connected with the front section of said shaft, substantially as set forth.

14. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, of a lockingwheel secured to said shaft and provided with a frictional face, a releasable clamping-cam engaging said face and locking the wheel against backward rotation, and a throw-off device which limits the purchasing movement of said shaft, whereby the measurement is controlled solely by the throw-off device, substantially as set forth.

15. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, of a lockingwheel secured to said shaft and provided with a frictional peripheral face, releasable clamping-cams acting in opposite directions and alternately engaging the face of said wheel, one to lock the wheel against rotation in the purchasing direction and the other against rotation in the return direction, and a throw-off device which limits the purchasing movement of said shaft, substantially as set forth.

16. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a throw-off device which limits the purchasing movement of said shaft, of a purchasing-disk which receives only the purchasing rotation from said hand-actuated shaft and which is provided with a frictional face, and a releasable clampf ing-cam which engages the face of said disk and locks the same against movement in the purchasing direction, substantially as set forth.

17. The combination with a hand-actuated.

shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, of a purchasing-shaft which receives only the purchasing rotation from said hand actuated shaft, a releasable locking device which locks said purchasing-shaft against rotation in the IOO IIO

purchasing direction, and a coin-actuated device which releases said locking device and unlocks said p urchasi ng-shaf t upon the insertion of the coin, substantially as set forth.

18. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a releasable locking device which locks said shaft against return movement, a purchasing-shaft which receives only the purchasini,r rotation from said hand-actuated shaft, and a releasable locking device which prevents such rotation of the purchasing-shaft, of a coin-actuated device which normally holds said locking device of the hand -actuated shaft unlocked and said locking device of the purchasingshaft locked, and which, upon the insertion of the coin, causes the engagement of said locking device of the hand-actuated shaft and the disengagement of the locking deviceof the purchasing-shaft, substantially as set forth.

I9. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a releasable locking device which locks said shaft against movement in the purchasing direction, a purchasing-shaft which receives only the purchasing rotation from said handactnated shaft, and a releasable locking device which locks said purchasing-shaft against such rotation, of acoin-actuated device which releases both locking devices simultaneously upon the insertio'n of the coin, substantially as set forth.

20. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, of a driving-disk secured to the rear end of said shaft, a purchasing-shaft and disk arranged in rear of said drivingdisk, adriving device transmitting only the purchasing movement from said driving-disk to said purchasingdisk, a releasable locking device which locks said purchasing-disk against rotation in the purchasing direction, and a coin-actuated device which releases said locking device upon the insertion of the coin, substantially as set forth.

2l. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with ashaft provided with a releasable locking device, of a stationary coin-holder having a movable jaw which is moved by inserting the coin into the holder, and means whereby such movement of the jaw is transmitted to the locking device and caused to releasethe same, substantially as set forth. i

22. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a shaft provided with a releasable locking device which locks the shaft against movement in the purchasing direction, of a stationary coin-holder having a movable jaw which is 'moved by inserting the coin into the holder, and means whereby such movement of the jaw is transmitted to the locking device and caused to release the same, substantially as set forth.

23. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a releasable locking device which locks the shaft against rotation in the return direction, of a stationary coin-holder having a movable jaw which is moved by inserting the coin into the holder, and means whereby such movement of the jaw is transmitted tothe locking device and caused to release the same, substantially as set forth.

24.' In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a locking device which holds said shaft against return rotation, of a purchasing-shaft which receives only the purchasing rotation from said handactuated shaft, a locking device which locks said purchasing-shaft against rotation in the purchasing direction, and a stationary coinholder having a movable jaw which is connected with both locking devices and releases and applies the same alternately, substantially as set forth.

25. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a shaft and a releasable locking device which locks said shaft against rotation, of a stationary coin-holder having a pivoted jaw which is tilted by inserting the coin, and means connecting said jaw with saidlocking device, substantially as set forth.

26. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a shaft and a releasable locking device which locks said shaft against rotation, of a stationary coin-holder having a fixed lower jaw and an upper jaw which is movable toward and from the lower jaw and which is raised by inserting the coin between the jaws, and means whereby the movement of the upper jaw is transmitted to said locking device, substantially as set forth. e

27. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-controlled shaft arranged lengthwise in the apparatuspand a locking device which locks said shaft against rotation, of a stationary coin-holder having one of its jaws mounted on a shaft which is journaled lengthwise in the apparatus and provided with a projection by which said locking device is shifted, substantially as set forth.

28. In a prepayment apparatus, the combi- IOO nation with a hand-actuated shaft provided l with a releasable locking device which prevents return rotation of said shaft, and a purshifting the locking device of said purchasin g-shaft, substantially as set forth.

29. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a releasable locking device which prevents rotation of said shaft in the purchasing direction, of a stationary coin-holder having its upper jawjournaled parallel with said shaft and provided with an upwardly-projecting nose which engages said locking device and releases the same when said jaw is swung upwardly by inserting the coin, substantially as set forth.

30. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a releasable locking device which prevents return rotation of said shaft, of a stationary coin-holder having its upper jaw journaled parallel with said shaft and provided with a downwardly-projecting arm which holds said locking device out of engagement in the normal position of said journaled jaw and allows said locking device to engage when the jaw is moved upwardly by inserting the coin between the jaws, substantially as set forth.

31. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-controlled shaft which receives only the purchasing rotation, and a releasable locking device which prevents such rotation of said shaft, of a stationary coinholder having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw journaled parallel with said shaft and provided with an arm which engages said locking device and releases the same upon inserting the coin between Ythe jaws, and a stop whereby said journaled jaw is held in its normal position, nearest the fixed jaw, when no coin is inserted, substantially as set forth. i

32. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a stationary coin-holder having two jaws between which the coin is inserted, of an ejecting device arranged between said jaws and adapted to eject the coin from the holder when the purchasing movement has been completed, substantially as set forth.

In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a stationary coin-holder having a grooved jaw which confines the coin laterally in both directions, and an opposing jaw which confines the coin in only one direction, of an ejecting device arranged with its head between said jaws and adapted to eject the l coin from the same, substantially as set forth.

34. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a stationary coin-holder having an upper grooved jaw and a lower jaw which is open on one side, of a coin-ejecting device arranged between said jaws, substantially as set forth.

35. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a stationary coin-holder having two opposing jaws between which the coin is inserted, of a coin-ejecting devicel having its head arranged between said jaws, a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, and a throw-olii` device connected with said shaft and actuating said ejecting device when the purchasing movement has been completed, substantially as set forth.

36. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a stationary coin-holder having` an upper and a lower jaw between which the coin is inserted, of a coin-ejecting lever pivoted outside of said lower jaw and having its head arranged outside of and between said jaws and its lower arm inside of said lower jaw, a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direetiomand a throw-off device connected with said shaft and engaging the lower arm of said ejecting-lever when the purchasing movement has been completed, substantially as set forth.

37. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a coin-controlled shaft and the releasable locking device whereby said shaft is locked against purchasing movement, of a stationary coin-holder having a movable jaw which is moved by inserting the coin in the holder, means whereby the movement of said jaw is transmitted to said locking device for releasing the same, and a coin-ejector whereby the coin is ejected from the holder when the purchasing movement has been completed, substantially as set forth.

3S. In a prepayment apparatus, the combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a releasable locking device which prevents return rotation of said shaft, a throw-off device connected with said shaft, a purchasing-shaft which receives only the purchasing rotation from said shaft, a releasable locking device which locks said purchasing-shaft against such rotation, astationary coin-holder having a movable jaw which is moved' by inserting the coin into the holder, means whereby such movement of lsaid jaw is transmitted to the locking device of the hand-actuated shaft for locking the same against return movement, means whereby such movement of said jaw is transmitted to the locking device of the purchasing-shaft for unlocking the same, and a coin-ejecting device which is actuated when the purchasing movement has been completed, substantially as set forth.

39. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a purchasing disk and shaft which receive only the purchasing rotation from said hand-actuated shaft, and a friction device bearing against said purchasing-disk and preventing dead movement of the same, substantially as set forth.

40. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a purchasing disk and shaft which receive only the purchasing rotation from said hand-actuated shaft, projections formed on the side of said disk, a washerbearing against said pro- IOO IIO

jections, and means for pressing said washer yieldingly against said projections, substantially as set forth.

41. The combination with a hand-actuated shaft capable of rotation in the purchasing direction and also in the return direction, a driving-disk secured to the rear end of said shaft, a purchasing disk and shaft arranged in rear of said driving-disk, means whereby only the purchasing movement is transmitted from said driving disk to said purchasing disk, projections formed on the front side of said purchasing-disk, a washer surrounding said driving-disk and bearing against said projections, and yielding arms bearing against the front side of said washer and pressing the same against the projections of the purchasing-disk, substantially as set forth.

42. The combination with a meter, a meteractuated shaft extending through the wall of the meter, and a prepayment apparatus having a rear plate which is secured to the wall of the meter, of a stuffing-box for said shaft attached to said rear plate and extending rearwardly therefrom through an opening in the Wall of the meter, and a packed fastening connecting said stuffing-box with the wall of the meter, substantially as set forth.

48. The combination with a prepayment apparatus, a meter, and a meter-actuated shaft extending through the wall of the meter to the prepayment apparatus, of a stuffing-box inclosing said shaft and projecting rearward ly from the prepayment apparatus through the wall of the meter, and a fastening whereby said stuffing-box is secured to the wall of the meter on the inner side thereof, substantially as set forth.

44. The combination with a prepaymentapparatus, a meter, and a meter-actuated shaft extending through the Wall of the meter to the prepayment apparatus, of a screw-threaded stu fiing-box for said shaft projecting rearwardly from the back plate of the prepayment apparatus through an opening in the wall of the meter, and a screw-nut applied to said box ontheinner side of said Wall, substantially as set forth.

45. The combination with a prepay ment'apparatus, its inclosing casing and the upright back plate thereof adapted to be secured to the wall of the meter and provided on its front side with a seat for the rear end of said casing, of an arm secured at its rear end to the upper part of said back plate and extending forwardly over said casing, and a fastening device inserted from the interior of said casing into the front portion of said arm, substantially as set forth.

46. Thecombinationwithaprepaymentapparatus, its inclosing casi ng, the upright back plate thereof extending below said casing and adapted to be secured to the wall of the me-` ter, a coin-receptacle releasably attached to the lower part of said casing and arranged in front `of the lower part of said back plate, and means whereby said receptacle is locked, of

a releasable fastening connecting the lower part of said casing with the lower part of said back plate and arranged in rear of said receptacle and protected thereby when the same is locked but exposed when the receptacle is released, substantially as set forth.

47. The combination with a meter having a driving-shaft for a prepayment apparatus actuated by the meter and provided with a gear-wheel, of a prepayment apparatus secured to the meter and having a meter-actuated shaft, a connecting-gearing meshing with said gear-wheel ou the meter-shaft and mounted in a frame which is secured to the meter, and a detachable coupling-bar connecting said meter-actuated shaft of. the prepayment apparatus with said connecting-gearing by open-ended universal-joint connections arranged at both ends of said bar, whereby said bar can be readily inserted between the meter-actuated shaft of the prepayment apparatus and the conl'lecting-gearing, substantially as set forth.

48. The combination with a meter having a driving-shaft for a prepayment apparatus actuated by the meter and provided with a gear-wheel, of a prepayment apparatus secured to the meter and having a meter-actuated shaft, a connecting-gearing mounted in a frame which is secured to the meter and comprising a vertical shaft having a gearwheel which meshes with said gear-wheelon the meter-shaft and a horizontal shaft connected by gear-wheels with said vertical shaft, and a detachable coupling-bar connecting said meter-actuated shaft of the prepayment apparatus with said horizontal shaft of the connecting-gearing by open-ended universaljoint connections, arranged at both ends of said bar, substantially as set forth.

49. The combination with a prepayment apparatus having a valve-spindle, of a detachable valve-casing, a valve arranged therein and a valve-spindle carried by said casing and adapted to connect with the spindle of the prepayment apparatus, whereby the prepayment apparatus and the valve apparatus can be each applied or removed independently, substantially as set forth.

50. The combination with aprepayment apparatus having a valve-spindle, and means for supporting said apparatus, of a valve-casing, a Valve arranged therein, a valve-spindle carried by said casing and adapted to connect with the spindle of the prepayment apparatus, and means forsupporting said valvecasing independently of Said prepayment apparatus, whereby the prepayment apparatus and the valve apparatus can be each applied and removed independently, substantially as setforth.

51. ThecombinationWithaprepaymentapparatus havinga valve-spindle anda stuffingbox inclosing said spindle, of a valve-casing carrying a valve and spindle and a stuffingbox inclosing` said spindle, and means for independently supporting said prepayment ap- IOO IIO

paratus and valve-casing, substantially as set forth.

52. The combination with a prepayment apparatus havinga valve-spindle and a stuffingbox inclosing said spindle, of a valve-casing carrying a valve and spindle and a stuffingboxinolosing said spindle, and means for connecting both stuffing-boxes, substantially as set forth.

53. The combination with a prepayment apparatus having a valve-spindle and a stuffingbox inclosing said spindle, of a valve-casing carrying a valveand spindle and a stufringbox inclosing said spindle, a union-nut connecting said stufing-boxes, and means for independently supporting said prepayment apparatus and valve apparatus, substantially as set forth.

54. The combination with a prepayment apparatus, a valve-casing containing a valve, means whereby said prepayment apparatus and said valve-casing are independently supported, and a di Yided valve-actuating device arranged partly in the prepayment apparatus and partly in the valve-casing, substantially as set forth.

55. The combination with a prepayment apparatus, of a valve-casing containing a valve, a divided valve-actuating device arranged partlyv in the prepayment apparatus and partly in the valve-casing, and a locking device by which the valve-casing is locked to the prepayment apparatus and which is releasable from the interior of the latter, substantially as set forth.

56. The combination with a prepayment apparatus, a valve-casing containing a valve, and a coupling device securing said valvecasing to said prepayment apparatus, of a locking-bolt which engages said coupling device and which is releasably secured on the .inner side of the prepayment apparatus, substantially as set forth.

57. The combination with a prepayment apparatus having a valve-spindle and a stufngbox inclosing said spindle, of a valve-casing carryingl a valve and spindle and a stufngbox inclosing said spindle, a union-nut connecting said stuffing-boxes, and a lockingbolt engaging said union-nut and secured by a screw-nut on the inner side of the prepayment apparatus, substantially as set forth.

5S. The combination with a prepayment apparatus, its casing and a valve-actuating device arranged transversely in one side thereof, of a detachable Valve-casing` containing a valve and valve actuating device and arranged on one side ofsthe prepayment apparatus, and means whereby said valve-actuating devices are coupled together, substantially as set forth.

59. The combination withaprepaymentapparatus, its casing and a valve actuating device arranged transversely in one side thereof, of a detachable valve-casing containing a valve and valve actuating device and arranged on one side of the prepayment apparatus, means whereby said valve-actuating devices are coupled together,and independent supporting means for said prepayment apparatus and said valve-casing, substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 3d day of August, 1900.

p FRANK E. MORGAN.

Witnesses:

` F. A. LANE,

EDWARD WILHELM. 

